Essoyes wine festival

I’m a bit behind on my blogs! We went to the Essoyes wine festival last Sunday, and I feel I have to talk about it.

We love having the opportunity to try different wines from outside of our region, and the producers at the event have travelled from all over France.

We were particularly interested in trying some reds this year, and found some very interesting, and reasonable, wines from the Languedoc – all bio dynamic. We bought a selection, and are looking forward to trying them over the coming years. They can be kept up to ten years, so we shall taste them at different stages of their maturity.

Later in the afternoon we were able to enjoy a local brass band, who played a well rehearsed set of well known tunes, from Star Wars to musicals.

Before heading home we visited a new local farm producer, who had started selling bread at various locations not far from us. We bought some of their multi seeded bread, and their country bread. Both were delicious, so we will certainly be supporting them in the future.

As we got back to the car I noticed a sign advertising a plant sale – what better way to finish our day.

It was a bit of a mixed affair, with mismatched pots of plants looking a bit worn out by the long day. I think Brian thought I was a bit mad, but I picked out some yellow irises and a couple of succulents, both of which I’d wanted. A few vivaces (perennials) were also worth trying I thought. The lady had told me I could pay whatever I wanted to, so I handed over the change in my purse (about 8 euros) and we parted both very pleased with our deal.